Herald Blogs

BY AMANDA LEE MYERS AND BRETT BARROUQUERE

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

CINCINNATI -- Three federal judges weighing arguments in a landmark gay marriage hearing Wednesday peppered attorneys on both sides with tough questions, with one judge expressing deep skepticism about whether courts are the ideal setting for major social change and another saying the democratic process can be too slow.

The judges in the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals considered arguments in six cases from Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky and Tennessee, setting the stage for historic rulings in each state that would put more pressure on the U.S. Supreme Court to decide the issue once and for all. Wednesday's hearing was the biggest so far on the issue.

The cases pit states' rights and traditional, conservative values against what plaintiffs' attorneys say is a fundamental right to marry under the U.S. Constitution.

While questions and comments from two of the judges all but gave away how they'll rule, one in favor of gay marriage and one opposed, Judge Jeffrey S. Sutton vigorously challenged some of each side's assertions.

The offbeat island of Key West is known for its year-round subtropical weather, but temperatures are predicted to rise dramatically Thursday through Sunday, Aug. 14-17. The cause is the annual gay Tropical Heat celebration, an adventurous long weekend of all-male all-adult fun, a presentation of Gay Key West and the Key West Business Guild.

Tropical Heat offers four days of sizzling happenings in the island city whose openness and respect for diversity have made it a world-renowned gay vacation destination. The festival’s intriguingly decadent events range from drag shows to pool parties to late-night gatherings at island clubs.

The heat wave begins at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 14, with a kick-off party with Manhunt, a noted online gay dating service, at Island House, 1129 Fleming St.

On subsequent days, festival attendees can try naked paddleboarding with Nomadic SUP, compete for “best dressed” at a tropical toga get-together at Equator Resort, 818 Fleming St.; bid and buy at the Silver Key Lingerie underwear auction (a repeat of last year’s highly popular event,) turn up the heat at late-night parties at Saloon One, 504 Petronia St.(known for their fetish parties,) and Bourbon St. Pub, 724 Duval St. (you don’t want to miss the famous foam party) and much more.

A variety of land-based and on-the-water activities are offered each day. They range from clothing-optional snorkel and kayak tours with Key West’s Blu Q to explorations of island museums and nature centers.

Tropical Heat VIP access passes are available for $149 per person in advance at www.tropicalheatkw.com which represents a $71 savings from the $220 price if one attended all of the events. Alternatively, attendees can pay individual event admissions.

For more information visit the web site at: www.tropicalheatkw.com or call the Key West Business Guild at 305-294-4603.

Funds are needed to defray legal costs. The attorneys filed a Motion in the Third District Court of appeal to move the case directly to the Florida State Supreme Court on behalf of Aaron Huntsman and William ‘Lee’ Jones. This motion, if granted, will move the case quickly to the Florida Supreme Court, and will decide this issue of marriage equality for all Floridians, not just those in Monroe County.

Fundraisers are being planned countywide in anticipation of a vigorous appeal and challenges from the State and other anti-LGBT groups.

The 6th Annual Ft. Lauderdale Gay and Lesbian Film Festival will take place Friday October 10th through Sunday October 12th and the following weekend, Thursday October 16th through Sunday October 19th 2014.

ASSOCIATED PRESS

MINNEAPOLIS -- Target Corp. is adding its name to a legal defense of gay marriage, joining other large companies that are taking a stand, just four years after the retailer came under criticism for supporting a strident opponent of same-sex unions.

Target said it has signed a court brief backing marriage equality in a pending court case and publicly declared its support of gay marriage, a move similar to those taken by Starbucks, Intel and Apple.

"It is our belief that everyone should be treated equally under the law, and that includes rights we believe individuals should have related to marriage," Target Executive Vice President of Human Resources Jodee Kozlak wrote on the company's blog.

Target has come under fire in the past from gay rights activists who threatened boycotts after the retailer — along with Best Buy and 3M — donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to an organization that supported Republican Tom Emmer, a vocal opponent of gay marriage, in the 2010 Minnesota governor's race.

Target has worked to win back customers in the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community and has long offered benefits to the same-sex partners of employees.

Nearly all of Minnesota's biggest corporations declined to take a position on the 2012 state referendum to ban gay marriage except for General Mills, which opposed the ban. The referendum failed and the state Legislature passed a bill recognizing same-sex marriage in 2013.

Artist Marcelo Holzinger will present his latest work 7 to 11 p.m. Saturday at Omega Décor, 3300 N. Miami Ave. in the Midtown.

Here's the official announcement from his husband, David Kessler:

Artist Marcelo Holzinger is presenting the opening of his latest exhibit this coming Saturday, August 9th, from 7-11pm at Omega Décor in Midtown Miami. Holzinger uses his work to benefit many charitable causes (with a major focus on LGBT organizations), and this event is no different – once again, Holzinger is using his art to help those in need.

This inaugural Holzinger event will benefit two wonderful charitable organizations serving children and their families: The UCP Baby House Project - serving children and young adults challenged with Cerebral Palsy (www.ucpbabyhouseproject.com), and Gods Innocent Angels (The GIA Foundation) - working to help children and families impacted by RETT Syndrome (www.godsinnocentangels.org)

There is no admission charge, and a portion of all sales- Art, Furniture and Décor items will be donated directly to both of these great organizations! Exclusive Wines sponsored by Excelsior Wines - Concha y Toro / Devil's Collection. (www.excelsiorwines.com)